NUC Applauds FUHSO’s Rapid SIWES Rollout
By Victor Idajili
The National Universities Commission (NUC) has commended the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUHSO) for its impressive implementation of the Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), describing the programme’s rapid development as a model of institutional commitment to practical education.
The commendation followed a formal resource verification exercise conducted at the university’s take-off campus on April 10, 2026, as part of efforts to regularize the scheme and ensure compliance with national standards.
Leading the NUC delegation, Anavhe Emmanuel, alongside Hindu Kabir Muhammed, carried out a comprehensive review of the human and material resources supporting the SIWES Directorate.
The exercise focused on evaluating the university’s capacity to deliver hands-on industry training that bridges the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.
Describing the exercise as a milestone, the Acting Director of SIWES, Andrew Ichoga, said the verification marked a “dream come true” for the directorate.
He noted that the university had successfully embedded the programme into its academic structure with strong institutional backing.
“Our focus is on bridging the gap between theory and practice,” he said, adding that FUHSO has been proactive in securing student placements across relevant industries to boost employability and professional exposure.
Ichoga further explained that the verification would strengthen the university’s standing with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF), ensuring that both students and staff benefit fully from the scheme.
In its assessment, the NUC team praised the quality of documentation and the enthusiasm of students, describing their engagement as “remarkable” and indicative of strong future potential.
Emmanuel noted that the progress recorded within just one year of programme approval was particularly impressive.
“We are here for peer review, not fault-finding,” he said. “For a programme at this stage, the level of commitment and execution is commendable.”
While the overall evaluation was positive, the team highlighted areas requiring administrative and technical improvements, especially as the university prepares to transition to its permanent campus and align with global best practices.
Responding on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Friday Godwin Okibe, assured the NUC of management’s readiness to implement the recommendations without delay.
He disclosed that plans were underway to upgrade facilities and formalize partnerships with industries through Memoranda of Understanding to further strengthen students’ industrial exposure.
“The Vice-Chancellor is fully committed to these recommendations. We are positioning the university for stronger collaboration with industry stakeholders,” he said.
Also speaking, Registrar Michael Okoko Ogiji and Bursar Paul Hassan Akpa highlighted the enduring professional relationship between FUHSO’s leadership and the NUC, expressing confidence that the outcome of the verification would bolster the institution’s rising profile.
The exercise drew participation from top university officials, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Cecilia Ojabo; Director of Academic Planning, Jeremiah Oloche; Dean of Science, Ogar Ekerigwe; and Dean of Students’ Affairs, Peter Adikwu, alongside heads of departments and members of the university’s Information Unit.
The outcome of the verification is expected to further consolidate FUHSO’s reputation as an emerging centre of excellence in health sciences education and practical training in Nigeria.
